Reasoned reversal of lower authority findings is essential; a non-speaking order breaches natural justice and cannot stand.

A judicial or quasi-judicial authority reversing findings of a lower authority must record reasons, even if briefly, so the basis of the decision is transparent and amenable to judicial review. Reasons are an essential element of fair adjudication and a component of natural justice; a non-reasoned reversal shows no application of mind and cannot be sustained. The Tribunal's order was quashed and the matter remanded for fresh decision by a reasoned order after considering both sides.

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Issues: Whether the Tribunal's order, which reversed the lower authorities without recording reasons, was vitiated for breach of natural justice and liable to be set aside, and whether the matter should be remanded for fresh consideration.

Analysis: A judicial or quasi-judicial order reversing findings of lower authorities must disclose reasons, however brief, so that the basis of the decision is apparent and the order remains amenable to judicial review. Reasons are an essential component of fair adjudication and form an indispensable part of natural justice. A non-reasoned reversal fails to show application of mind and cannot be sustained.

Conclusion: The Tribunal's order was quashed and the matter was remanded for fresh decision by a reasoned order after considering the contentions of both sides.

Ratio Decidendi: An appellate or revisional adjudicatory authority must record reasons when reversing a lower authority's findings, and failure to do so vitiates the order for breach of natural justice.

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